U.S. patent number 10,075,406 [Application Number 14/723,201] was granted by the patent office on 2018-09-11 for system and method for location and time based social networking.
This patent grant is currently assigned to TU ORBIT INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is Tu Orbit Inc.. Invention is credited to Henry Parra.
United States Patent |
10,075,406 |
Parra |
September 11, 2018 |
System and method for location and time based social networking
Abstract
The present application is directed to a system and method for
creating on-line comments of a point of interest. The system and
method creates a moment having a piece of digital content showing
the point of interest, wherein the moment has a time stamp and a
location stamp; and shares the moment with a predetermined group of
members. The sharing of the moment is limited to members that meet
the time stamp and the location stamp, and the system and method
refuse accepting comments from members that do not meet the time
stamp and location stamp.
Inventors: |
Parra; Henry (Hillsdale,
NJ) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tu Orbit Inc. |
Hillsdale |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TU ORBIT INC. (Hillsdale,
NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
54070247 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/723,201 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150264006 A1 |
Sep 17, 2015 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
14057915 |
Oct 18, 2013 |
9769224 |
|
|
|
61715621 |
Oct 18, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L
67/02 (20130101); H04L 69/28 (20130101); H04L
67/18 (20130101); H04L 67/306 (20130101); H04L
51/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/048 (20130101); H04L 12/58 (20060101); H04L
29/08 (20060101); H04L 29/06 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Xia; Xuyang
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Haug Partners LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation in part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/057,915 filed on Oct. 18, 2013 to Henry
Parra, titled "Social Networking System and Method," which claims
benefits to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/715,621 filed on
Oct. 18, 2012, the entireties of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of creating on-line comments of a point of interest,
the method comprising: prompting a first user to create a moment
having a piece of digital content showing the point of interest on
a display screen of a computing device, wherein the moment has a
time stamp and a location stamp; assigning a unique handle to the
moment created by the first user in response to user input, the
unique handle being viewable and searchable by other users and
obfuscating the real identity of the first user of the moment;
sharing the moment with a first group of users, wherein the sharing
of the moment is limited to users that meet the time stamp and the
location stamp, and wherein the method refuses accepting comments
of the moment from users that do not meet the time stamp and the
location stamp; assigning an attribute that controls whether the
first group of users are allowed to re-share the shared moment with
a second group of users; providing a search function that allows
the first user to search shared moments with the unique handle, the
time stamp, the location stamp, and a list of dynamic tags
displayed corresponding to the moment on the display screen,
wherein the list of dynamic tags is dynamically updated based on
the time stamp associated with the moment and a boundary
information obtained when the first user enlarges or shrinks a map
area to change the map area on the display screen; recording a
location stamp of a moment that is viewed and liked by the first
user; and reminding the first user about a place associated with
the recorded location stamp when the first user is within the
proximity of the place.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the attribute prevents the moment
created by the fist user from being re-shared.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the location stamp is created
based on GPS data, a wifi network, or E911 meta data of the
computing device that creates the moment.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the location stamp of the created
moment represents a property line boundary and structure
perimeter.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the location stamp is created
based on input of the first user creating the moment.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the input includes a user-drawn
polygon on a map.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the time stamp represents a past
time or a future time.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: creating a report of
an emergency incident based on comments of a moment created for the
emergency incident.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: creating a report of
a criminal activity based on comments of a moment created for the
criminal activity.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: creating a report of
a lost item based on comments of a moment created for the lost
item.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: creating a report of
maintenance work of a public road based on comments of a moment
created for the public road, the moment created for the public road
having a tag dedicated for a municipality to which the public road
belongs.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: creating a report of
a public transit route based on comments of a moment created for
the public transit route.
13. A non-transitory recording medium storing an executable program
which, when executed, causes a processor on a computing device to
execute a method for creating on-line comments of a point of
interest, the method comprising: prompting a first user to create a
moment having a piece of digital content showing the point of
interest on a display screen of a computing device, wherein the
moment has a time stamp and a location stamp; assigning a unique
handle to the moment created by the first user in response to user
input, the unique handle being viewable and searchable by other
users and obfuscating the real identity of the first user of the
moment; sharing the moment with a first group of users, wherein the
sharing of the moment is limited to users that meet the time stamp
and the location stamp, and wherein the method refuses accepting
comments of the moment from users that do not meet the time stamp
and the location stamp; assigning an attribute that controls
whether the first group of users are allowed to re-share the shared
moment with a second group of users; providing a search function
that allows the first user to search shared moments with the unique
handle, the time stamp, the location stamp, and a list of dynamic
tags displayed corresponding to the moment on the display screen,
wherein the list of dynamic tags is dynamically updated based on
the time stamp and a boundary information obtained when the first
user enlarges or shrinks a map area to change the map area on the
display screen; recording a location stamp of a moment that is
viewed and liked by the first user; and reminding the first user
about a place associated with the recorded location stamp when the
first user is within the proximity of the place.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present application generally relates to a system and method
for social networking based on location and time.
BACKGROUND
Current social networks do not adequately protect user's identity
and do not provide a hub for connecting with people based on time
and location. Additionally, users are not able to connect to other
social networks using one single social network. Current social
networks are cluttered and are not dynamic enough to meet a user's
personal needs. Further, the members of the social network cannot
sort through uploaded files of other users by time, date, and
location. Thus, there is a need for an improved social networking
site that allows people to connect with others based on time and
location posts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present application relates to a social networking system and
method that allow individuals to create, store, aggregate, search
and/or share content, such as "moments," based on time and
location. The content can remain private or be made public in
real-time, depending on the discretion of the user. Users also have
the ability to connect with others who currently share, have
shared, or will share contents that are in the location and time
interval. To protect the privacy of the user, a moment is not
re-shared without permission of the user, allowing the creator of
the moment to maintain control of each moment and to determine and
maintain the desired level of privacy or sharing for each
moment.
In one aspect of the present application, a system for social
networking comprises: a computer having a user interface; and a
program product comprising a machine-readable program code for
causing, when executed, the computer to perform the following
process steps: prompting a user to create a user account; prompting
the user to input personal information; storing the personal
information on a database; prompting the user to create a moment,
wherein the moment comprises information comprising at least a time
and a location of a place that the user is currently located, was
located in the past, or will be located in the future; storing the
moment on the database, wherein a plurality of moments submitted
from third party users are saved; receiving an entered search
criteria to request viewing at least one moment within the
database; and displaying at least one moment based on the inputted
search criteria.
In another aspect of the present application, a system for social
networking comprises: a computer having a user interface; and a
program product comprising a machine-readable program code for
causing, when executed, the computer to perform the following
process steps: prompting a user to create a user account; prompting
the user to input personal information; storing the personal
information on a database; uploading a time and a location of the
user to the database, wherein the database comprises the time and
location of third party users; searching for third party users
having a similar time and location as the uploaded time and
location of the user; and giving the user the ability to
connect/socialize with the third party users that have a similar
time and location to the user. Additionally users have the ability
to create moments and place them in the public domain in the map
tab for all users to view them.
According to an aspect, the present application is directed to a
method for creating on-line comments of a point of interest. The
method comprises creating a moment having a piece of digital
content showing the point of interest, wherein the moment has a
time stamp and a location stamp; and sharing the moment with a
predetermined group of members. The sharing of the moment is
limited to members that meet the time stamp and the location stamp,
and the method refuses accepting comments from members that do not
meet the time stamp and location stamp.
According to an embodiment, the moment has an attribute that
controls the re-sharing of the moment.
According to another embodiment, the attribute prevents the moment
from being re-shared.
According to yet another embodiment, the method comprises assigning
a unique handle to each moment. The handle obfuscates the real
identity of the creator of the moment.
According to various embodiments, the location stamp is created
based on GPS data of a device that creates the moment, represents a
property line boundary, or is created based on input of the creator
of the moment, which includes a user-drawn polygon on a map.
According to yet another embodiment, the time stamp represents a
past time or a future time.
According to yet another embodiment, the method records a location
stamp of a moment that is liked by a user and reminds the user
about a place associated with the recorded location stamp when the
user is within the proximity of the place.
According to various embodiments, the method creates a report of an
emergency incident based on comments of a moment created for the
emergency incident, a report of a criminal activity based on
comments of a moment created for the criminal activity, a report of
a lost item based on comments of a moment created for the lost
item, a report of maintenance work of a public road based on
comments of a moment created for the public road, or a report of a
public transit route based on comments of a moment created for the
public transit route.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to
a non-transitory recording medium storing an executable program
which, when executed, causes a processor to execute a method for
creating on-line comments of a point of interest as set forth in
the present application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate embodiments of
this disclosure, and, together with the detailed description, serve
to explain principles of embodiments as set forth in the present
application, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a social networking system according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 2 illustrates a social networking system according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 3 illustrates a social networking method according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 4 illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment
of the present application.
FIG. 5 illustrates functions for setting an account according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 6A illustrates functions for creating a moment according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 6B illustrates functions for creating a moment according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 6C illustrates functions for creating a moment according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 6D illustrates functions for creating a moment according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 7 illustrates functions for editing a moment according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 8A illustrates a home screen according to an embodiment of the
present application.
FIG. 8B illustrates functions for social networking with users who
are near a moment according to an embodiment of the present
application.
FIG. 9A illustrates a search function of moments according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 9B illustrates a search function of moments according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 9C illustrates a search function of moments according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 9D illustrates a search function of moments according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 9E illustrates a map function of moments according to an
embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 10 illustrates a function for managing relationships with
other users according to an embodiment of the present
application.
FIG. 11 illustrates a home screen according to an embodiment of the
present application.
FIG. 12 illustrates a blogging function according to an embodiment
of the present application.
FIG. 13 illustrates a function for micro-forum based on
user-defined boundaries according to an embodiment of the present
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that
the foregoing brief description and the following detailed
description are exemplary (i.e., illustrative) and explanatory of
the subject matter as set forth in the present application, but are
not intended to be restrictive thereof or limiting of the
advantages that can be achieved by the present application in
various implementations. Additionally, it is understood that the
foregoing summary and ensuing detailed description are
representative of some embodiments as set forth in the present
application, and are neither representative nor inclusive of all
subject matter and embodiments within the scope as set forth in the
present application.
The present application may include a Social Ecosystem that allows
users to communicate in anonymity, and store and publish personal
location based data. In certain embodiments, the user may create a
handle and submit an avatar picture in order to connect with other
network users that a user does not know. The users may invite and
connect with other users that uploaded information corresponding to
a same time, place, and date. In certain embodiments, the user may
be able to connect to other social networks. In certain
embodiments, the website may include a layout comprising digital
notepads and interchangeable tabs that may allow the user to
separate different aspects of their life. A network user may be
able to view other network user's uploads by location, type of
activity, date range, time range and a unique user.
The present application may include a social network that may store
the user's location, date, and time data. The data stored may be
used to connect users to other users who shared the same or very
similar location, date, and time period (to be specified by the
network). The present invention may further provide users with an
outlet to organize data that third party network users have
uploaded in a public folder and gives third party users the ability
to view the uploaded information by user, date range, time range,
and location.
The present application may include at least one computer with a
user interface. The computer may include any computer including,
but not limited to, a desktop, laptop, and smart device, such as, a
tablet and smart phone. The computer includes a program product
including a machine-readable program code for causing, when
executed, the computer to perform steps. The program product may
include software which may either be loaded onto the computer or
accessed by the computer. The loaded software may include an
application on a smart device. The software may be accessed by the
computer using a web browser. The computer may access the software
via the web browser using the internet, extranet, intranet, host
server, internet cloud and the like.
Referring to the FIGS. 1 through 3, the present application may
include a plurality of users 10 within the same location using
computers 12, such as smart devices, to create an account and
login. The computers 12 may either connect to 10 a wireless network
18 via a wireless tower 16 or may connect to the internet 22 using
a hard-line or a Wi-Fi hot spot 20. Both of the wireless network 18
and the internet 22 may access a database 24 in which the
information uploaded from the computer 12 may be stored. According
to an embodiment, the Internet 22 and the wireless network 18 may
be of any communication network, which should be broadly construed
to include any one or more of a number of types of networks that
may be created between devices using an internet connection, a
LAN/WAN connection, a telephone connection, a wireless connection,
a short message system (SMS), a satellite connection, and so forth.
According to an embodiment, the communication network includes at
least a cellular network, a satellite network, and a computer
network, such as the Internet. The computer network may comprise
various configurations and protocols including the internet, World
Wide Web, intranets, virtual private networks, wide area networks,
local networks, private networks using communication protocols
proprietary to one or more companies, Ethernet, WiFi and HTTP,
cloud and cloud based services, and various combinations of the
foregoing. Such communication may be facilitated by any device
capable of transmitting data to and from other computers, such as
modems (e.g., dial-up, cable or fiber optic) and wireless
interfaces.
Using the computer 12 connected to the database 24, the user may
create the user account on the social networking website. In
certain embodiments, the user may then input information. The
information may include personal information such as a name, an
age, a sex, a plurality of physical traits, and a plurality of
personal interests. The user may also upload a picture and/or an
avatar that represents and is displayed as their profile. The
account and the personal information may be stored on the database
24. The location and time data of the user may be transferred to
the database 24 and shared with other users 10 within the same
location. The location and time data may not be shared with other
users 28 that are not within the same time frame or not within the
same location.
The social network of the present application may prompt a user to
create a "moment". The moment of the present application may
include at least a time and a location of a place that the user is
currently located, was located in the past, or will be located in
the future. The moment may be stored on the database 24. Multiple
users 10 may create accounts and create a plurality of moments. All
of the moments of the users 10 may be stored on the database. In
certain embodiments, the present application may include a search
box so that third party users may search for other third party
user's moments. A user may enter in search criteria and may be
presented with a plurality of moments based on the inputted search
criteria.
As mentioned above, the moments of the present application may
include at least a time and a location that the user has inputted.
In certain embodiments, users may attach data to the moments. The
data may include, but is not limited to, uploaded video, pictures,
and text. For example, if a user creates a moment based on a place
that the user is going, the user may take pictures at the
particular place and upload the picture to the moment.
The website or application of the present invention may be setup
using different tabs and screens. For example, the present
invention may include a home screen. The home screen may display
all of the updated information that has been inputted by the user.
In certain embodiments, the home screen may include a notepad that
displays all of the user's personal moments previously submitted.
The moments may be listed in chronological order. In certain
embodiments the moments may include icons indicating if there is
text, video, or pictures attached to the moment. In certain
embodiments, the home screen may further include a map with icons
representing moments in the notepad. Therefore, the moments may be
placed on the map based on the location of the moment.
In certain embodiments, the home page may provide the user with an
icon to create a moment, such as a time capsule. When selected, the
user may enter in the month day and year, or simply select now,
representing the time of creation. The use may either point on a
map or enter in an address. In certain embodiments, the computer
may include global positioning system capabilities, in which the
computer may automatically locate the where the user is at that
point. The user may also be given the option to upload data such as
video, pictures or text. Once the moment has been created, a user
may determine whether they would like to share the moment with the
public or share the moment privately. For example, the user may
pick between friends, family, acquaintances and the like. The home
page may also include the search box to search for third party user
moments.
The present application may further include a blog option. The user
may select blog from a particular moment. A search may be
automatically performed based on the particular moment's time and
location. The present application may then allow users to text
third part user's that created moments with similar times and
locations. Therefore, if a user lost an object at a sports game,
the user may either create a new moment or select a moment already
created that included the location and the time of the sports game.
The user may then begin chatting with users that have moments that
include the same sports game with the same time and location.
In certain embodiments, the present application may further include
a share tab. The share tab may provide a notepad of moments that
other third part users have shared with the user. Therefore, a user
may look at the shared moments to see where their friends are and
what they are doing. The moments may be listed chronologically.
Further, the user may select a certain day and time to see what
users have done in the past or what users will be doing. The
present application may further allow users to comment of third
party moments, which may be saved to the moment. In certain
embodiments, the shared moments may also be displayed on a map.
In certain embodiments, the present application may further include
a public tab. The public tab may include a window that allows users
to view shared public moments of third parties. The public tab may
further include a map displaying the locations of third party users
that have created moments. The user is able to upload data through
the wireless device application to the public folder for all users
to see. The public data can be sorted by user, location, date, and
time ranges. Additionally, the data can be sorted by data type. A
symbol/point depicting a public moment on the map coincides with a
moment listed in tabular format adjacent to the map. Advertisements
may be shown as pop ups on the map that are based on the user's
current location. If the user is viewing a map location that is
near the user's location then local/national advertisement may be
displayed. Otherwise, national advertisement may be displayed
alone.
The present application may further include a tool to meet other
people without disclosing the user's identity. For example, the
user may identify the moment in time, date, and location (latitude
and longitude or place specified by user) by time stamping the
moment using the wireless device application or website. The
application/website may then upload that information on to the
database and tag information to the user's profile. If the user
would like to connect with other users that have shared the same
location, date, and similar time period, the user may log into
present invention to connect to the network and input the
information creating a moment that the user wants to socialize in.
A search may be performed within the database to catch up other
users that shared the location and time period criteria and notify
the users that there is an anonymous user that wants to connect
with them. Such embodiments may be used for past moments, present
moments, or future moments. The present invention may also notify
the user of other shared moments created by third party users that
include the same or similar time, date, and location.
By capturing location, date, and time period and uploading to the
network along with other information (i.e. pictures, video, etc.)
via an application in the user's wireless device, the user begins
the process of social networking by date, time, and location. The
information may be uploaded in real time or at a later time based
on the user's discretion. The data may be stored in the database to
be used at a future time for connecting with other users based on
their past/future moments. When the user chooses to socialize with
other users who share the specified location, date, and time
period, the user may log onto the social network. Once logged in to
the network, there may be a window where the user may input the
search criteria and the application may run an algorithm that
matches all three criteria with a variation in the time window that
will be set by the network or set by the user and the network will
connect you with the users that match the criteria. This may be
done with complete discretion.
The present application may include many features that are
dependent on the data being uploaded. A user can use the share tab
feature to share moments and the time capsule feature can be used
to upload past or future experiences not captured by a wireless
device. There may also be a button feature that allows the user to
socialize with other social networks. The share tab may allow the
user to view other user's moments by location, date, and time and
allows you to comment on that shared moment. Comments may be
disabled by the user that is sharing the moment. In the public tab,
a user may view what any user has uploaded and can search by
location, handle, time, and date. The public tab may be independent
of other tabs. Once you choose to upload to the public tab, the
moment may be automatically updated to the home tab, such as the
notepad. The blog tab may be a button feature usable at the home
tab and is used to manage your created or received blogs.
FIG. 4 illustrates a general structure of the devices 1 to NN in
FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment. The exemplary structure
200 includes a CPU 202, a ROM 204, a RAM 206, a bus 208, an
input/output interface 210, an input unit 212, an output unit 214,
a storage unit 216, a communication unit 218, and a drive 220. The
CPU 202, the ROM 204, and the RAM 206 are interconnected to one
another via the bus 208, and the input/output interface 210 is also
connected to the bus 208. In addition to the bus 208, the input
unit 212, the output unit 214, the storage unit 216, the
communication unit 218, and the drive 220 are connected to the
input/output interface 210.
The CPU 202 executes various kinds of processing in accordance with
a program stored in the ROM 204 or in accordance with a program
loaded into the RAM 206 from the storage unit 216 via the
input/output interface 210 and the bus 208. The ROM 204 has stored
therein a program to be executed by the CPU 202. The RAM 206 stores
as appropriate a program to be executed by the CPU 202, and data
necessary for the CPU 202 to execute various kinds of processing.
The CPU 202 may include multiple processors such as ASICs, FPGAs,
GPUs, etc. A program may include any set of instructions to be
executed directly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as
scripts) by the processor. In that regard, the terms
"instructions," "steps" and "programs" may be used interchangeably
herein. The instructions may be stored in object code format for
direct processing by the processor, or in any other computer
language including scripts or collections of independent source
code modules that are interpreted on demand or compiled in advance.
Functions, methods and routines of the instructions are explained
in more detail below.
The input unit 212 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a
touch screen, and the like. When the input unit 212 is operated by
the user, the input unit 212 supplies an input signal based on the
operation to the CPU 202 via the input/output interface 210 and the
bus 208. The output unit 214 includes a display, such as an LCD, or
a touch screen or a speaker, and the like. The storage unit 216
includes a hard disk, a flash memory, and the like, and stores a
program executed by the CPU 202, data transmitted to the terminal
200 via a network, and the like.
The communication unit 218 includes a modem, a terminal adaptor,
and other communication interfaces, and performs a communication
process via the networks of FIG. 1.
Anon-transitory storage medium 222, sometimes removable, may be
formed of a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc,
flash or EEPROM, SDSC (standard-capacity) card (SD card), or a
semiconductor memory. The medium 222 is loaded as appropriate into
the drive 220. The drive 220 reads data recorded on the medium 222
or records predetermined data on the removable medium 222.
An operating system such as Microsoft Windows 7.RTM., Windows
XP.RTM. or Vista.TM., Linux.RTM., Mac OS.RTM., or Unix.RTM. may be
used by the device 200. Other programs may be stored instead of or
in addition to the operating system. It will be appreciated that a
computer system may also be implemented on platforms and operating
systems other than those mentioned. Any operating system or other
program, or any part of either, may be written using one or more
programming languages such as, e.g., Java.RTM., C, C++, C#, Visual
Basic.RTM., VB.NET.RTM., Perl, Ruby, Python, or other programming
languages, possibly using object oriented design and/or coding
techniques.
Data may be retrieved, stored or modified in accordance with the
instructions. For instance, although the system and method is not
limited by any particular data structure, the data may be stored in
computer registers, in a relational database as a table having a
plurality of different fields and records, XML documents, flat
files, etc. The data may also be formatted in any computer-readable
format such as, but not limited to, binary values, ASCII or
Unicode. The textual data might also be compressed, encrypted, or
both. By further way of example only, image data may be stored as
bitmaps comprised of pixels that are stored in compressed or
uncompressed, or lossless or lossy formats (e.g., JPEG),
vector-based formats (e.g., SVG) or computer instructions for
drawing graphics. Moreover, the data may comprise any information
sufficient to identify the relevant information, such as numbers,
descriptive text, proprietary codes, pointers, references to data
stored in other memories (including other network locations) or
information that is used by a function to calculate the relevant
data.
According to an embodiment of the present application, the social
networking system and method as disclosed in the present
application may be implemented as hardware, software, or both. When
the algorithm and process are implemented as software, such as an
executable program, the algorithm and process are stored in the
medium 222. The general structure as shown in FIG. 4 needs to be
specifically configured to process the algorithm and process as
disclosed in the present application. For example, the programs
need to be installed in the device 200 and registered in the
operation system. Thus, those individual instructions included in
the programs transfer the exemplary structure from a general
computer to a special designed device to execute the algorithm and
process as disclosed in the present application.
FIG. 5 illustrates functions for setting up a user account
according to an embodiment of the present application. Before
creating a moment, a user may need to create a personal profile and
store it in the present social networking system. A user may choose
to use a fake picture 502 to represent himself or herself or choose
to use a real picture 502 to represent himself or herself. The user
may also store identification information 506, such as name and
address, in the system. The personal profile may also include other
personal information 510, such as gender, hair color, eye color,
profession, or hobby. The identification information 506 and the
other personal information 510 are not disclosed to other users of
the system to protect privacy of the user. The user can also create
a handle 508 that will be made available to the public. The handle
508 is used as an identification of any information published or
shared by the user. The user may designate any information as the
handle 508, including his or her real name or identity. When the
user is a private individual, the user may create a handle that
does not include the name. When the user is a public figure who
wants to use the system to widely communicate with people who have
a shared interest in a location and time, the user may be more
likely to use his/her name in order to be easily identified,
recognized and searched. According to an embodiment, a user may not
be allowed to use his or her name as the handle at any time to
enhance the privacy protection of the system. Furthermore, a user
has the option to link his or her account in the present system
with accounts of other social networking platforms such as Facebook
or Twitter. A user may use the input fields 512 and 514 to link
with other social networking platforms. A map 516 may be displayed
during the period when the user inputs his or her personal
information. On the map, the current location of the user may be
displayed.
FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various embodiments for creating a
moment.
The term "moment" as used in the present application may be
understood to represent a data point that has both a location
attribute and a time attribute. The time attribute may represent a
past, present and/or future date and time. The location attribute
may represent a location, an address, an area on a map, a landmark,
a city, an incident cite, coordinates, or GPS data. A moment also
includes a topic of interest such as a photo, a video, a paragraph,
a message, a post, a Tweet, a publication, a novel, and/or any form
of digital media. The time and location attributes may be created
by the system automatically or be created based on the user's
input.
According to an embodiment, the location attribute may be created
based on a GPS location, WIFI networks, E911 Meta data of a
wireless system, or meta data of a picture or video. The location
attribute may also be Geocoded onto a map. When GPS is accurate or
signal available, the user may be prompted to input the location
attribute to make the location as accurate as the user would like
it to be. According to an embodiment, the user needs to edit the
location to accommodate for past/present/future moments in order
for the moment's to have a more precise location because the
platform would not allow a user to communicate with other users
based on location and time when a user is determined to be at a
wrong location. For example, the system can recognize that the user
is not at street level (sea level) and will ask the user to define
a floor number.
The user can also include keywords/tags to describe a moment for
reference. The tags represent user-defined words that reflect the
user's experience at a particular time and location. A moment can
be defined by the user as private that makes the moment sharable
only for the individual user, semi-private that makes the moment
shareable within the guidelines of the user, or public that makes
the moment available for viewing throughout the universe of fellow
system users. Private moments can be restricted to the individual
user, or shared by the user at his or her discretion. A public
moment can be accessed by anyone within the platform's universe. A
public moment can have the user's name or handle identified, or be
posted anonymously. Geocoding allows users to quickly and
efficiently sort through stored moments based on location, user
handle/user ID, user groups (including public), subject matter,
date and time.
FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of creating a moment. A user uses
a creating function 602 to execute the moment creating function.
The creating function will require a user to input values for the
time attribute 604. The time attribute 604 is used to limit the
topic to a specific time period. According to an embodiment, the
time attribute 604 may include information about year, month, day,
and time. According to another embodiment, the time attribute may
use other information to indicate a particular time period, such as
2008 World Cup or 2013 Super Bowl. The system also requires a
location attribute 606 for a moment to be created. The location
attribute 606 indicates a location of the moment. The location may
be a geo-location or a virtual location such as an online address.
The location attribute 606 may have a user input function 606 that
allows a user to input location information 610 such as street,
city, state or country. The location attribute 606 may also have a
map function 608 that allows a user to specify the location on a
map 612 by drawing a location on the map or by selecting a specific
point on the map. After both the location attribute 606 and the
time attribute 604 are input, the creating function provides a
media function 614 that allows a user to select a particular
content associated with the time and location attributes. The
content may be a video file, a picture file, or a text. After a
piece of content is selected, the content is uploaded to the
present social networking system and stored in a database.
FIG. 6B illustrates another embodiment of creating a moment. After
the content, the location attribute, and the time attribute are
stored, a user may share the moment with other users. A share
function 620 allows the user to share a moment with a plurality of
groups 622. A user may assign contacts into different groups such
as family, friends, work friends, or acquaintances. When sharing a
moment, a user may choose one group, such as work friends 624, or
two groups, such as friends 626. The user may also add description
for a moment or add tags to the moment. When the moment is
published, the handle as determined by the user is also assigned to
that moment. Upon publication, members of the shared groups will
receive a notification of the newly created moment. The
notification may be provided via email, text message, phone calls,
or a message in a user's online account.
FIG. 6C illustrates another embodiment of creating a moment. The
screenshot 670 represents a display on a tablet or a smart phone
that embodies functions to create a moment. The screenshot 670
includes a plurality of operable buttons and a plurality of input
fields to assist a user to create a moment. The button 672 is used
to input a date or a range of dates. The button 674 is used to
input a precise time point or a time period. The button 676 is used
to create or assign tags or keywords to a moment. The input field
678 is used to select one or more groups for sharing the moment.
One group includes a plurality of members designated by the user.
The input field 680 is used to add descriptions for the moment. The
button 682 is used to select a piece of content, such as a picture
or a video, for sharing. The button 684 is used to input a location
stamp of the moment by address or landmark or cross-section. The
map 686 is used to display an icon 690 at a point that corresponds
to the location input by the button 684. The position of the icon
690 on the map is updated in real time according to the input by
the button 684. According to an embodiment, the map 686, when
tapped by the user, is used to draw a location stamp by the user.
The location stamp drawn by the user may be a point or a zone. The
screenshot 670 may include a tag list area 688 that displays
popular tags to the user.
FIG. 6D illustrates an embodiment of creating a moment. As shown in
FIG. 6D, creating a moment requires multiple screens 640, 650, and
660. On the screen 640, the icon 642 activates the creating
function. When the icon 642 is tapped, a new screen 650 is
presented to the user to input the time attribute 651, the location
attribute 652, tags 653, shared groups 654, and comments about the
moment 655. On the screen 650, the icon 656 allows a user to select
and upload a piece of content, such as the picture 644, to the
present system. When a user taps the location attribute 654, a new
screen 660 is presented so that a user can input the location
information 664 or draw the location on a map 666. The icon 662 or
the icon 642 allows the user to share the moment after all the
information is uploaded and stored.
According to an embodiment, the moment created by a user is kept
private, by default. The user can share the moment publicly and/or
with another user in its friend list, and/or any combination of all
of the options. The user may also select a group of members that
have been assigned by the user to share the moment. When a user
shares with other friend groups, the moments are shared with one
degree of separation. Only the intended audience can view the
moment. In one embodiment, the friends of the users that the moment
has been shared with are not allowed to view the moment. In another
embodiment, when the moment is shared publicly, the sharing of the
moment does not include any particular groups created by the user.
The digital media posted for public view is designed to protect the
identity of the user who shares the content. The identity of the
user is concealed by not revealing its identity (user name), photo
or personal info to other users. The handle assigned for each
moment does not reveal the identity of the user. According to an
embodiment, the system and method also allow the user to share the
moment to other social media, such as Facebook.
FIG. 7 illustrates functions for editing a moment according to an
embodiment of the present application. The editing functions are
similar as those used in FIG. 6C to create a moment. After the user
finished revising the moment, the user can use the edit button 702
to store the changes. In general, the editing function allows the
user to delete the moment, change time and date, change location,
add/delete digital media, edit moment description text and change
sharing properties (share with other groups and/or public, unshared
with all groups and/or public, change sharing groups etc.).
FIG. 8A illustrates a home screen according to an embodiment of the
present application. The home screen 800 represents a dashboard to
the user that summarizes the major functions of the present system
available to the user. The home screen 800 includes a timeline
button 802 that is used to review moments according to their time
stamp, a profile button 804 that is used to view and edit personal
information, a map button 806 that displays moments on a map, and
an inbox button 808 that stores and displays all received messages.
The banner 810 summarizes new messages received after the user's
last log on time. The button 822 is used to switch from the inbox
to a sent-box. The button 816 is used to filter messages according
to user selected filtering parameters. The home screen 800 further
displays a list of moments 812. If a user taps one moment 818, then
the comments corresponding to that moment will be displays in the
area 814. The home screen 800 also provides an input field 820 that
is used to write a message, which can be sent to a designated
recipient by using the send button 822.
FIG. 8B illustrates functions for location and time based
discussion according to an embodiment of the present application. A
moment 830 is created with the time stamp as "Oct. 11, 2014 3:35
pm." It is noted that the time stamp is not necessary to be the
current time stamp as shown on the device screen, which is "8:33
pm." The time stamp of this moment 830 represents a past time stamp
because the game is finished. According to an embodiment, the time
stamp of a moment may use a future time stamp. The location stamp
of the moment 830 may be the present location of the device, which
is represented by latitudes, longitudes, and attitudes obtained
through the GPS data. The location stamp of the moment 830 may be
the address of where the game was played, if the user prefers to
limit the discussion with those audiences who were at the stadium.
After the moment 830 is created, a conversation may be started by
selecting the moment 830 and activating the conversation button
832. The present may present a message 834 to the user that reminds
the user that the conversation will be limited to the specific
location and the time. After the user confirms the location and
time, the record is 838 is added to the list 836 showing all
on-going conversations. If the user taps the record 838, the
conversation screen 840 is displayed, which displays the location
and time stamps of the moment and also the comments made to the
moment.
FIGS. 9A-E illustrates search functions for searching and/or
filtering moments according to various embodiment of the present
application. According to an embodiment, the present system and
method allow a search of moments by handle 902, gender 940, hair
color 906, eye color 908, and profession 910, as shown in FIG. 9A.
According to another embodiment, the present system and method
allow a search of moments by handle 902, a time attribute 914 that
includes both date and time, and a location attribute 916, as shown
in FIG. 9B. The search results are displayed in real time on a map
918. The search results are also listed in an area 920, as shown in
FIG. 9B.
FIG. 9C shows another embodiment of searching or filtering moments.
The filtering function includes a set of predetermined search
criteria 930, a time attribute 932, tags 934, and handles 936. A
user can conduct a search of moments by specifying parameters in
each of the above-listed search factors.
FIG. 9D illustrates another embodiment of filtering or searching
moments. In this embodiment, the user can search moments based on
handle 50, a time attribute 940, tags 942, and a location attribute
944 of a moment. The search results are listed in an area 946 and
on a map 948. The location attribute 944 may also be input by
drawing a region on the map 948. In one embodiment, the time and
location information associated with a moment that has been
designated as favorites or frequently visited by a user are used to
dynamically filter moments to be displayed to the user. In another
embodiment, the time and location information associated with a
moment that the user just visited are fed to a dynamic filter to
limit the moments to be subsequently displayed to the user. For
example, when a user opens an entertainment moment on a news feed
and taps on a map depicting the location of that moment, the
present system will bring the user to a map view with an embedded
dynamic filter. The filter limits the displayed moments to those
time range and location of the entertainment moment that is just
viewed by the user.
FIG. 9E illustrates another embodiment of searching a moment. After
a moment 962 is searched, an icon 960 representing the moment is
displayed on a map 964. When a user taps or clicks the icon 960,
the complete information of the moment 962 is retrieved and
displayed to the user. The complete information includes the
content, the description, the location stamp, and the time stamp.
When a user clicks or taps the moment 962, the comments and
conversations of the moment 962 will be displayed.
In general, a filter/search feature of the present application has
the capability of searching moments based on the following
categories:
groups including personal, friend, and public (a user can search
all personal moments, moments from one or more friend Groups, all
public moments, or a combination of these options);
locations including address, town/city, county, state, country, and
landmark;
date range;
time range;
dynamic tags which are updated based on search criteria. According
to an embodiment, when all public moments during a specified period
contain the following tags: "green", "yellow", "car", and
"motorcycle," a user selecting all public moments within that
period would have only those words as available tags for selection.
According to another embodiment, the dynamic tag function updates
tags displayed to a user based on both a time period and location
associated with a moment selected by a user. For example, after the
user selects one moment, the time and location information
associated with that particular moment will be added to a dynamic
filter that is used to filter and limit any subsequent search of
moments. According to another embodiment, the dynamic tag function
updates tags displayed to a user based on the time period
associated with a moment selected by a user and the map area on a
screen as defined by the user. For example, when the user enlarges
or shrinks a map area on a screen, the dynamic tag function obtains
the boundary information corresponding to a changed map area on the
screen and updates the displayed tags based on the new boundary
information and the time period information; and
handle/user name--A user can select any friends handle or public
handles. This is how location based micro-blogs are created within
a personal orbit (friends) or public handles. A public handle is
created in the following manner. When a user creates an account,
the user has the choice to register as a private or public user. If
the user is registered as a private user, the public will not be
able to type his or her handle and will not be able to search the
private user's public moments (it will only show all users' public
moments). If a user is registered as a public user, the user will
give all users in the system access to this public user's handle
and give all other users the ability to view public moments of such
a public user. A public user has one directional friend
request/connection. A public user can request a connection, but all
other users cannot request a friend request/connection. This is
done to prevent other users from having access to moments that the
user would share with its sharing groups, but not with the
public.
According to an embodiment, the map view of moments is dynamically
filtered to show moments on a daily or hourly basis. The filtered
will update every day or hourly based on the network design
dictated by the number of moments posted by all users. This keeps
the map view from showing every moment created to date and
cluttering the map. On a hand-held device, moments that are
overlaid on top of each other can be viewed by the user by tapping
on the icon several times, which will cause the moments to toggle
from earliest to latest. On a tablet or computer, this issue is
overcome by having a listing table next to the map. For example, if
a user zooms in on the map to its home location (where presumably
the user has created many moments), the user can select a time
range where there will be many moments overlaid on top of each
other. The user can quickly view them by scrolling through the
moments on the table next to the map where they would be listed in
chronological order.
In another embodiment, after a moment is created, it is posted on a
news feed (chronological table format) and Geocoded onto a map,
where the moment is represented by an icon on the map. These map
icons are user-identified to allow the user to visually
differentiate various users, as well as differentiate between user
groups and the public. A user can then view/open the moment on the
map by tapping or clicking on the icon. The moment creator has the
ability to edit the moment, view the digital media attached to that
moment, and/or exchange comments with other users (if shared) at
the creator's discretion. If they are not the moment creator, a
viewer can view the digital media attached to that moment, and/or
exchange comments with other users at their discretion. The moments
may be displayed to a user in a table alongside a map with a filter
option. This creates an interactive map view between the map icons
and table representation of moments alongside. Users can quickly
scroll through the table format and view each moment. For example,
if a user selects a moment in the table window, it coincides with a
unique icon located on the map and will cause the contents of the
moment to be displayed. The same process works in reverse if a user
selects icon on map and it coincides with a moment on the table
displayed alongside. The table view also allows a user to quickly
view the type of media a moment on the map contains by placing an
icon next to the moment description that depicts the media
contained in that moment (i.e. text (shows text), pictures (icon of
camera), video (icon of a video camera), pictures and text (text
and icon of camera) . . . etc.). Additionally, as a user zoom's in
or zoom's out the moments displayed on the map, the listing table
is also updated accordingly. Therefore the table is automatically
updated to coincide with all of the moments displayed on the
map.
FIG. 10 illustrates a function for managing personal relationships
with other members. A user of the system can use both handles and
designated groups to search members in a search box 1002 of the
system. The searched results are displayed in an area 1004. Each
contact includes a relationship button 1006 that is used to change
the relationship between that contact and the user.
FIG. 11 illustrates a home screen according to an embodiment. The
home screen 1100 may include all the functions as described in FIG.
8A. In addition, the home screen 1100 may include advertisement
banners 1102 that displays dynamic advertisement based on the
moments that have been viewed by the user.
FIG. 12 illustrates a blogging function according to an embodiment
of the present application. Two moments 1210 and 1212 are created
and shared by a user. The user may send invitations to a plurality
of members to participate in the discussion and commenting of a
moment. According to an embodiment, the system and method provide a
counter 1202 indicating the number of users who have accepted the
invitation and a counter 1204 indicating the number of users who
have refused the invitation. When a moment is selected by a user, a
commenting window 1206 is created, which displays the comments from
participating users.
In one embodiment, only those users who meet both the location and
time stamp of the moment can participate in the discussion. This
feature allows users to connect with each other on the basis of
having shared (past), will be sharing (future), or are sharing
(present) location and time interval set by the user. Additionally,
the user has the ability to select different characteristic
criteria when using location based comment feature (i.e. male,
female etc.). The user can opt out of this feature on a moment by
moment basis.
According to an embodiment, for the location based discussion, the
system may use at least two types of location databases. The first
database includes all location information created by the user. The
second database includes any other pre-existing boundary, such as a
property line polygon like those shown in Zillow real property maps
or Google maps. The algorithm then looks at a moment's location
latitude and longitude and verifies if is located within a property
line polygon. Then, each moment is indexed together with the name
of the property line polygon. When the system has identified other
users that fall within the same property line polygon, the system
will allow the users to connect with each other at each user's
discretion.
In another embodiment, the system will verify whether a
conversation has been initiated. If the conversation meets the
user's criteria, the systems will connect the user to that
conversation. In another embodiment, the user will be able to
create a polygon that falls within the property line polygon to
connect with other users in a more precise manner, for example a
room within a school. In another embodiment, if a user does not
fall within a property line polygon, the system will use a radius
allotted by the system to connect with others who fall within the
radius. In another embodiment, the system presents mini-moments
depicting the time location and media uploaded by user to remind
the user about receiving or sending the location-based comment that
the users are chatting about. In another embodiment, the system
informs the user of how many other users are, have or will be
sharing the same time and location to encourage the usage of
location-based comments (chat).
According to an embodiment, each public moment can include
commentary from all users in a manner that becomes a real time,
location-based blog (i.e. crime solving using anonymous postings,
tracking lost children or property by location, unfiltered
anonymous content of news events (all moments related to a specific
location or event such as the Boston Marathon Bombing of Apr. 5,
2013), creating a network of commuters to and from locations,
sharing comments on hotels, restaurants and any other location,
marketing to all users within a user-defined radius of a location
and criteria chosen by the marketer and viewed by the selected
users at its discretion, marketing real estate listings within a
defined area, and exchanging tickets for future events at specific
venues.
FIG. 13 illustrates a method and function that allow a user to
interact with other users of the present social networking system
based on a user-defined boundary polygon and time. As shown in FIG.
13, when a soccer game is played inside a stadium 1302, such as the
Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, a user of the present system may want
to discuss the game with audiences in a particular zone. The user
may open a satellite view of the stadium 1302 and draw a polygon
1306 inside the stadium 1302 to define the particular zone for
discussing the game. The user may create a moment 1304 inside the
zone 1306 or may participate in any moment created inside the zone
1306. The present system will automatically inform the user or
other users about the discussions and moments inside the defined
polygon 1306. According to an embodiment, the polygon 1306 may
represent a predetermined boundary, such as a property line 1308.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 illustrates an advantage of the
present system and method in setting up a group discussion or a
micro-forum. The conventional method to invite a group of friends
or family members to start a discussion requires a user to search
contact information of those friends or family members and then
invites them one by one. As shown in FIG. 13, the present system
and method allow a user to start a conversation by specifying a
location and a time. When a user wants to start a conversation with
coworkers, he or she may simply draw a zone around his or her
workplace and specify the particular time period of the day. If he
or she creates a public moment, then everyone who is at that
specified location and in that time period can chat with each
other, regardless whether the user has their contact information or
not. In this way, the process to start an online group conversation
is simplified.
Protection of User's Privacy
The present system and method provide functions that protect a
user's privacy. According to an embodiment, the degree of
separation between a user and other members of the system may be
limited to predetermined values. For example, if the separation
degree is set to one, a moment is not allowed to be re-shared or
re-published.
If the separation degree is set to be two, the present system
allows the creator of a moment to control the precise manner that
the moment may be re-shared or re-published. In one embodiment, the
moment may simply be re-shared or re-published for another time
without further restrictions. In another embodiment, the system
allows the creator to assign specific permissions to another user.
For example, the creator may allow a designated viewer of the
moment to co-author the moment, such as edit the moment or
supplement the moment with additional content. In another
embodiment, the creator may limit a re-sharing of the moment by
another user to a particular group, such as that user's friend
group. These re-sharing restrictions that can be tailored by the
creator of a moment provide effective privacy protections to the
creator.
According to an embodiment, the handles of a user is divided into
public handles and private handles. The public can only see the
public handle of a user. The private handles will not be made
available to the public unless the user opts to do so. The name and
identity of the user may not be made available to the public unless
the user chooses to use his or her name as the public handle or
display his or her name. According to an embodiment, the search
function provided by the present system and method is limited to
search only the public handles.
Location and Time Based Micro-Forum
A user can go to the map and create a search criteria based on date
and time range, handle, location, and keyword (tag) then draw a
polygon around the moments of interest. Then, the user can share
the polygon with its search criteria embedded in the polygon to its
sharing groups. The users opening the polygon will be able to view
on the map all the moments that the creator of the polygon intended
everyone to view.
Applications in Various Fields
According to an embodiment, the present system and method may be
used in suggesting a point of interest to a user. When a user views
a moment and likes that moment, the location of that moment is
recorded in a database and is associated with the user. The present
system and method may monitor a user's location and remind the user
when the user is within the proximity of the location of liked
moments as a place the user would like to visit.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method may be
used in reporting an emergency, such as a 911 reporting. A user,
who happens to pass an accident, may create a moment with content,
such as a textual description, a picture, a video, or a tweet, and
a special tag, which may be determined by the network that
automatically makes that moment public), edit the moment location
to provide the most specific information, include the time if
needed, and provide an immediate, but very detailed report to the
911 authorities. The user reporting the 911 incident may need to
include the general location and time. A 911 responder is allowed
to go to the system, view the moment on the map, assess the
content, and report it to the proper authorities, such as police or
EMS. The authorities being notified can simultaneously view the
moment while heading toward the accident site. The authorities may
tap on the address of the moment, and the system will navigate
them, such as using a navigation system of their choice, to the
location of the accident.
In another example, a person who is in a precarious position after
experiencing a catastrophe (i.e. flash flooding, earthquake, etc.)
could create and edit the moment location to provide the most
specific information, including time and exact location, resulting
in an immediate, but very detailed report to the 911 authorities.
The user would use a special tag (i.e. 911) that will automatically
alarm the relevant authorities to evaluate the location identified
in the moment and to take the necessary action. The 911 authority
would be able to go to the system, view the moment on the map,
assess the content, stay in contact with the user(s) in trouble,
and report the incident documented in the moment to the proper
authorities (i.e., police, EMS) to initiate a rescue mission or
other response. This method is very useful and requires minimal
data bandwidth, because when digital media (i.e. pictures, audio,
and video) is not attached to the moment, a moment without digital
media requires no more bandwidth than a text message, but the
moment can be simultaneously viewed by numerous people, providing
immediate, life-saving benefits to all of them.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method may
assist authorities to conduct a criminal investigation. A user may
be a witness to a crime. At their discretion, they can immediately
report a crime in detail with the recorded digital content,
including the exact location. A user of the present system may
still maintain total anonymity while making such a report. For
example, the witness who observes the crime may create a moment and
add media to the moment (text describing the crime, video and/or
photos of the crime), edit the time and location if needed, and tag
it with a special tag (to be determined by the network that
automatically makes that moment public). The authorities who have
already been aware of the crime location and time associated with
the incident will be able to use this platform and review all
moments that have been posted in the vicinity of the crime and the
time interval of when the crime occurred. If the moment was tagged
properly, it will make the authority's job more efficient because
they would not need to review content that does not meet the
tagging criteria.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method may be
used in locating a lost child, such as an immediate message sent
right after a child or an item is lost. A system user may
communicate with all system users who share the same location and
similar time and report a lost child or lost items. A user who
would like to report a lost child or lost item creates a moment and
can communicate by starting a location-based chat with all users in
the system that created a moment at the event. The system will
notify all the users who meet the location-based comment (chat)
criteria with a message that will appear on their inbox. Such
immediate alerts, and the ability for users to provide anonymous
content that would be aggregated, would provide law enforcement and
security authorities with unprecedented ability to track missing
children quickly, when time is of the essence.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method allow a
user to report unfiltered, anonymous content of news events. Users
can create moments of news events, sports highlights, or other
milestones that they have witnessed. All users can view unfiltered
media of news events based on time and location. For example, the
Boston Marathon bombing suspects could be tracked as people upload
their content based on time and location and post it as public.
Other users can easily access their data and interact with the
users posting the content in an anonymously and secure environment.
This is not limited to news events, but all type of events, such as
natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and
tsunamis). The interactive map allows users to quickly and
efficiently navigate through an unlimited number of moments at a
specific location. Users can more accurately look for content based
on a specific event from the past present of future (football game,
concert etc.) and interact with all in the past, present, and
future.
According to an embodiment, the system and method may be used as a
platform to exchange/sell tickets for future events. It can be used
as a platform to exchange/sell tickets for future events. As people
create moments of events in the future, they can interact with all
users attending the same event and exchange tickets or request for
tickets to that event in a secure environment. The platform can
accommodate this interaction by setting up a payment system, and/or
collaborate with existing ticketing platforms.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method allow
restaurant/hotel owners to easily interact with their patrons.
Restaurants/hotel owners can communicate with their patrons via
this platform. As users create moments in their restaurants/hotels,
this platform allows users to communicate with all whom where
within their confinements who have created a moment in their
establishment. This platform allows all users to connect based on
location. This feature is not limited to just restaurants or
hotels, but any entities that would like to maintain communication
with their patrons. Schools can use it to stay connected with their
students after they have graduated. The system makes it easier to
communicate because no e-mail addresses, telephone numbers,
personal/business addresses, names are exchange or needed to
communicate.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method may also
provide assistance in real estate transactions. Realtors can create
location-based content. Although several realty systems/platforms
have been designed to work system wide for the realty company (i.e.
Remax, Century 21 etc.), there are no systems currently on the
market that caters to the individual realtor. This platform allows
the individual realtor to advertise, to its network of buyers, the
properties the realtor is most interest in showing/selling in a
particular location and easily keep and search personal notes based
on location, including whom has visited this property, and upload
digital media for all prospective buyers to easily view. A realtor
can display its properties by location and create keywords (i.e. 1,
2, and 3 bed-room units) for all the realtor's customers to quickly
and efficiently view on a map with the location and the digital
media related to a particular property. The prospective buyers will
be able to input the realtor's handle and view all posting related
to a keyword they are interested in viewing and interact with the
realtor showing them.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method help
public workers to timely maintain public roads. For example, the
system and method may be used to report potholes and other issues
to a Municipality. The public can assist local governments by
reporting the location, time, date and digital media (at public
user's discretion) of a pothole that needs fixing by the city.
Also, the city can determine the priority of the potholes that need
fixing by determining the density (number of reporting) that a
particular pothole may get. The city would advertise the name of
the tag (i.e. "NYC potholes" to report the potholes on the present
system.) The system would consider this tag exclusive to NYC and
automatically make this moment public (this feature can be easily
added on the back end of the system, attaching a sharing group to a
particular tag). The user's would open the App to create a moment
in the location of the pothole or if they choose to create it at a
later time and edit the location to represent the pothole location,
upload pictures or video (at user's discretion) and tag it. This
would be the end of the public's involvement. The city/municipality
or public would be able to login into the system, go onto the map
view, and display the moments based on the tag, location, date and
time range. Additionally, the city/municipality could communicate
with the public by letting them know when it's going to be fixed or
updating them that it has been fixed. This is not limited to just
potholes but to any type of reporting that requires other user's
assistance. One can look at this method as requiring multi user
collaboration for one user to view on a map.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method help Mass
Transit to manage schedules and the location of Bus Stops. The bus
company (i.e. NJ Transit) would create an account with a Public
handle. Once they create the account they can create moments for
each bust stop and precise location (system's ability to edit
location). Additionally, the bus company would create each moment
with the tag of the bus number or numbers if multiple buses have
the same stop (i.e. #165, #135 etc.). A bus stop for multiple buses
would require multiple tags. The company can upload a document
displaying the bus number with the time/day schedule for that
particular bus stop and multiple documents if the stop is for
multiple buses. Also, the bus company can maintain the public in
real time of any issues or delays at a particular bus stop. The
users needing to find a bus stop for a particular bus would login
to the system type in the handle for the bus company (i.e. "NJ
Transit") and select the tag (i.e. "#165") of the bus the user is
interested in viewing. The map would display on the map the bus
stop locations for bus number 165 and a point on the map displaying
the user's location, so that the user can see their distance
relative to the bus stops. The user would select the moment (bus
stop) that they are interested in and the moment would open
displaying the date and time schedule for that particular bus. One
can look at this method as the collaboration of one user for
multiple users to view on a map.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method alert
public in time about a Public Safety (OSHA's evacuation routes).
For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
could create an account with a Public Handle in the present system
and use moments to transmit information in real-time that would be
viewed on the mobile devices of those who are impacted. Once OSHA
creates the account, it can create a polygon depicting an
evacuation route for a particular city and save it as a moment.
This process could be replicated for all cities throughout the
country. Additionally, OSHA could create moments that could be
inserted along the evacuation route in real-time during an
evacuation in order to stay connected with the population that is
being evacuated. The users needing to evacuate from a particular
city would login to the system type in the handle for OSHA and
select the applicable tag (i.e.: New Orleans). The system would
display the evacuation route along with moments on a map where
users can interact with OSHA in real-time, resulting in
unprecedented interaction and collaboration.
In one embodiment, the present system may provide a personal
planner for a user. A user can create both current and future
moments that correspond to activities to be attended by the user.
Then, on a particular day, the user can open a map view that
displays both private and public moments and view all other moments
surrounding his or her own moments. With both location and time
information associated with those moments, a user can quickly
realize any interactions between his or her moments and all other
moments.
In one embodiment, the present system may assist a user to upload
and organize media contents, such as pictures and videos, based on
moments. When a user has taken hundreds of pictures during a long
period of time, it is cumbersome and time consuming to upload those
pictures and organize them in a manner that is easy to search and
identify. According to an embodiment, a user may create a moment
that has a particular time a location information. When the user
uploads a piece of digital content, the present system can detect
the time and location information associated with that piece of
digital content based on the meta data of that digital content. The
present system further designates the piece of digital content to
one or several moments based on a match of those time and location
information. For example, when a user plans a vacation in Mexico,
the user can create a moment corresponding to the time and place of
his or her vacation. The user can take all the pictures using an
electronic device while in Mexico and would not upload those
pictures because of the cost of data communication. When the user
comes back to the United States, the user can log on to the present
system and upload the picture by using an upload function. The
present system will automatically detect the time and location of
those pictures based on the meta data, display those pictures
around that moment on a map view, and save those pictures to a
folder designated to that moment previously created by the user
before the vacation. The present system may further detect the
content in those pictures based on any available algorithms such as
face identification algorithms and make a more refined
categorization of those pictures.
According to an embodiment, the present system and method may be
used to discover connections among users of the system for dating,
friendship, business, or other purposes. As the present system and
method store all moments created by the users in a database, a
search may be performed within the database to identify all moments
that have shared similar location and time period. The present
system and method may retrieve the user information associated with
those identified moments and notify such users that there is
another user that has connections with them. Such notification may
use an anonymous name for a user and may not disclose the identity
of a user. Such embodiments may be used for past moments, present
moments, or future moments. When the user prefers to socialize with
other users who have shared, are sharing, or will share the
specified location, date, and time period, the user may log onto
the social network to start a connection with other users or to
make variations of the search algorithm to expand or narrow the
search results. The present system and method may set a
predetermined time window to limit the time period during which a
user can make such variations. The search criteria may include sex,
age range, and other personal traits. Such functionality allows
users to interact with users of the same or opposite sex in a
manner that can lead to a dating, friendship and/or business
relationship. In addition, the creation of new relationships based
on moments allows the platform to connect and/or reconnect them in
the past, present, and future.
Advertisement
The present system and method also include a plurality of functions
for advertisement and sponsorships. According to an embodiment, the
moment Line and news feeds may have dedicated areas for
advertisement. Sponsor advertisement may pop up on Map Views or be
linked to public moments that are location-based and user relevant
(i.e. user who is of drinking age and is viewing public moments at
Yankee Stadium would see the public moment sponsored by Budweiser).
A tag may be leased out as name brand tags (i.e. Coca Cola could
have exclusive rights to the tag). Location-based sponsor tags
(i.e. Mass Transit, Municipal and other sponsorships of transit
schedules, traffic alerts, pothole repairs, etc.) may be used.
According to an embodiment, location-based target marketing may be
tied into the platform (i.e. Business would login into the platform
for marketing purposes and create a micro marketing campaign
(product at a discount) designed for users with a specific taste,
time range, and within a location radius). Businesses can also
connect with all their patrons who have visited their
establishment, provide targeted updates and offers.
Certain Advantages and Benefits Provided by the Present System and
Method
The present social networking system represents a dynamic
data-mapping platform that is suitable for managing dynamic or
static data/moments that may or may not require collaboration from
the public, and are viewable on a map. The location information of
a moment provides critical context for the application of a moment.
For example, the need for the public to report pot-holes that
require fixing for a city/municipality and the city/municipality to
have a use-friendly mapping system to display/monitor what is being
reported by the public. The present system provides the ability for
many users to collaborate for the benefit of a particular user or
users to view. When a user needs to find a bus stop, the bus
number, destination, and arrival times near his current location in
an easy to view on a map, the present system and method provide the
ability for a user or users to collaborate on moments for many
users to view.
The phrase "an embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily
refer to the same embodiment, though it may. In addition, the
meaning of "a," "an," and "the" comprise plural references; thus,
for example, "an embodiment" is not limited to a single embodiment
but refers to one or more embodiments. As used herein, the term
"or" is an inclusive "or" operator, and is equivalent to the term
"and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term
"based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on
additional factors not described, unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. It is noted that in this disclosure and
particularly in the claims and/or paragraphs, terms such as
"comprises", "comprised", "comprising" and the like can have the
meaning attributed to it in U.S. Patent law; e.g., they can mean
"includes", "included", "including", and the like.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the
specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those ordinarily skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred
embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be
illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in
the following claims.
* * * * *